Most patients are eager to see the final result of their nose job right away, although the healing process for a rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) treatment takes time– something about one year for the absolute result. But don’t worry. Luckily, there are actions you can take throughout this period to expedite the healing process and guarantee proper healing.
As mentioned above, “one year” is the typical recuperation period following a rhinoplasty. Even if that seems like a lengthy time, when it is divided into a timeline, it becomes much more manageable. While each patient’s recovery milestones may differ, in general, the process goes somewhat like this:
One week: After one week, the splint on your nose can be taken off, and unless there is a visible bruise around the eyes, you can walk out in public without having surgery visible on you. The bruising might take two weeks to resolve. It is safe to go back to your regular activities.
Two weeks: After two weeks, most of the bruises should have disappeared, and the majority of the facial swelling should have decreased.
Three-four weeks: After three to four weeks, you can resume cardiovascular exercises like cycling, swimming, and jogging without risk.
Six weeks: After this amount of time, your bones are stable, so you can go back to lifting weights and doing resistance exercises. You can also wear glasses and blow your nose.
Three to six months: after this period of time, the numbness and strange feelings in your nose and nasal skin should go away.
One year: After one year, the nose should have completely healed, its new form should have fully developed, and all swelling should have vanished.
Is there any way to shorten the current timeline?
In fact, there are a number of things you can do to facilitate a quicker recovery. The following advice is suggested:
Pay attention to your physician
Above all, do as directed by your physician. There are a hundred web articles like this one about what to expect after a rhinoplasty, but nothing can match the knowledge your facial plastic surgeon can impart. You’ll get detailed instructions on what to take, when to take it, how to take care of the surgical site to avoid infection, and when you should schedule a follow-up examination. So, take your surgeon’s instructions seriously.
Pay attention to your health
Only you will truly know how you’re feeling, even though your plastic surgeon will be able to observe how your rhinoplasty recovery is progressing on the outside. Pay attention to your body; if something doesn’t seem right following surgery, go to your doctor as soon as possible.
Don’t blow your nose
You will likely have some congestion for a few weeks, or possibly months, following surgery. The reason for this sensation is enlarged nasal tissues. Avoid blowing your nose, and discuss with your doctor the possibility of moisturizing your nasal passages with a saline nasal spray until the swelling subsides. After six weeks following surgery, you can start blowing your nose again.
I know that you can’t simply stop sneezing. Try sneezing through your mouth as opposed to your nose. Although it may sound unpleasant, it is preferable to harming your delicate nasal passages and delaying the healing process after a rhinoplasty.
Maintain an upright head
After a rhinoplasty, sleeping on your side is not only painful, but it can also slow down your healing process by resulting in more swelling and bruises. Even more terrifying, it has the power to move your nose. You will need to elevate your head at night for six weeks after surgery in order to prevent this. Using a foam wedge or resting your head on two or three pillows is one of the simplest ways to accomplish this. Recliner sleeping is also a good option.
Get enough sleep
Rest is an essential part of the healing process, although it may be harder to fall asleep after surgery due to the congestion you feel. Getting a good seven or eight hours of sleep every night allows your body to replenish the energy it uses to mend itself.
Keep a balanced diet
What’s the connection between healing after a nose job and eating your veggies? Quite a bit, in fact. After surgery, eating a balanced diet might help hasten your recovery by providing your body with the nutrition it needs to mend itself.
Take off your glasses
Anything that causes pressure on your nose during the healing process, such as reading glasses, prescription glasses, or sunglasses, might result in further bruising, swelling, or even indentations that will eventually need revision rhinoplasty.
When it’s appropriate for you to resume wearing glasses will be determined by your facial plastic surgeon.
Don’t forget about individual variation; every patient’s recovery from a rhinoplasty is unique. Remind yourself to attend all follow-up appointments on time. Your surgeon will be able to monitor you for any signs of swelling and make sure your healing is proceeding as it should. Please note that sometimes the patient may need revision surgery if the final results aren’t satisfactory.
